BP started showing live feed of the leak itself after pressure from the Obama administration. Lawmakers had said they had learned that the "top kill" procedure would not be shown.

The company said in a statement Tuesday that it will display the video. The decision came after discussions with the federal official overseeing the spill response, Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, BP said.

"Throughout the extended top kill procedure — which may take up to two days to complete — very significant changes in the appearance of the flows at the seabed may be expected," BP said. "These will not provide a reliable indicator of the overall progress, or success or failure, of the top kill operation as a whole. BP will report on the progress of the operation as appropriate and on its outcome when complete."